If you're travelling to New York City - To see & do #170

This is my pseudo-local guide to New York City. It's a list of things I think are most important, aside all the tourist things, to see and do.

via Moey Hoque

1. The Plaza Hotel
Quick note to anyone coming to NYC - nearly every lobby in New York is open to the public during business hours make the most of it! The Plaza Hotel is one of them. Walk up to the doorman and ask to be pointed in the direction of the bathroom. The directions you will be given will take you through the lobby, past the food hall, down a corridor lined with old photographs of the Beatles, and down to the basement. It's definitely an experience. 

2. The Mandarin Oriental Hotel bathroom
Since we're on the topic of hotels I would strongly suggest going to this one. Catch the train to 59th St Columbus Circle. Head to Time Warner Center where you will find the entrance to the Mandarin Oriental. Ask the doorman how to get to the bathroom. He'll send you to the 35th floor. You'll walk out of the elevator and almost pee your pants at the view. It looks like green screen. Serious. 

3. The Bowery Poetry Club
I cannot stress how f-ing rad this place is. Go there on a Monday night at 7pm for Tranny Bingo. It is as it sounds. Bingo hosted by Trannys. It is the most hilarious thing you will ever see. If you go a little early at 6:30pm you will hear Taylor Meade, one of the last remaining Warhol Superstars, read his crazy erotic poetry. It's like 50 Shades of Grey on steroids.

4. Le Bain at The Standard Hotel
Le Bain is a must see. It's the epitome of rooftop bars. Head there on a Sunday evening around 7pm, grab a mojito and relax while the sun goes down. Warning: avoid this place on a Saturday - the line goes around the block. Dress to impress.

5. Welcome to the Johnsons, Lower East Side

Welcome to the Johnsons is the best of the best of the best of the best dive bars. I would live at this place if I could. The toilet is one of the best features (see below). Don't expect any luxuries. Just cheap alcohol, a good crowd, and a real 'homely' vibe. Dress not to impress.

6. Lincoln Lowes AMC theatre
This movie theatre is like no other. The walls are about 20 foot high and painted with giant murals. Go watch a midnight movie premiere there. Afterward you will look at any other cinema with the glare of inferiority.

7. The Met Museum
I'm an art nerd so this is definitely a must see. Don't tire yourself out though. If you're here for a while I'd suggest buying a membership $60 (best asset purchase ever!). Or you could avoid the $25 suggested donation and pay $1 each time you visit. FYI the modern art is on the first floor in the back left hand corner (you're welcome).

Of course there is plenty of touristy stuff you should do like: Brooklyn Bridge, World Trade Center, The City Sights buses, Central Park/Imagine memorial, Magnolia Bakery (Sex & the City), Coney Island, MoMA and don't forget Times Square (ewwwwww). Times Square is pretty magical when you first get here, but after a month that will wear off and you will grow to dislike anything that requires you to have to go near it.

Peace, Morgs